The sermon explores the Christian expectation of facing tribulation while simultaneously receiving divine peace through Jesus Christ. Drawing primarily from John chapter 16, it outlines three specific disturbances believers must anticipate: worldly opposition, internal struggles of the flesh, and spiritual attacks from Satan. The preacher emphasizes that true tranquility is not found in external circumstances or religious rituals but solely in a relationship with the Savior. By relying on the Holy Spirit for conviction and guidance, believers can endure trials with courage, knowing that Christ has already overcome the world. Ultimately, suffering serves as a sanctifying process that deepens dependence on God and leads to lasting joy.

The sermon examines the parable of the wise and foolish builders to distinguish between superficial religion and genuine faith rooted in Christ. It argues that many believers rest on unstable foundations such as family heritage, external rituals, or emotional experiences rather than personal trust in Jesus. Through the metaphor of digging deep to reach bedrock, the text emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and removing anything incompatible with God's teachings. The preacher warns that life's trials and ultimate judgment will expose these weak foundations, causing those without true faith to collapse. Ultimately, only a life founded entirely on the Lord Jesus Christ can withstand the storms of temptation and suffering.

Please consider how you can be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ through your financial support to the continued work of His Church in this time. Contributions can be made by PayPal by visiting our website ( faithbiblepres.org ) or by mailing your contribution to: Faith Bible Presbyterian Church 3001 Marian Dr. Trenton Mi 48183 "The Pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both." ~ John Calvin (July 10, 1509 - May 27, 1564). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~ NKJV John 10:27 "Satan's greatest success is in making people think they have plenty of time before they die to consider their eternal welfare" ~ John Owen (1616 - August 1683). "For the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ." ~ NKJV Rev. 1:9 Fᴀɪᴛʜ Bɪʙʟᴇ Pʀᴇsʙʏᴛᴇʀɪᴀɴ Cʜᴜʀᴄʜ ~ Tʀᴜᴇ Worship & Aᴜᴛʜᴇɴᴛɪᴄ Fᴇʟʟᴏᴡsʜɪᴘ ~ Faith Bible Presbyterian Church is a Bible believing and Christ honoring church that is committed to teaching|preaching the Word of God with diligence and authority. We stand for the historic Christian faith, and we welcome you to our services of worship. Won't you join us? faithbiblepres.org

An unnamed woman breaks a costly jar of perfume over Jesus at a leper's dinner party while powerful men plot his death in the city. She is scolded, but Jesus defends her and says her act will be told wherever the gospel is proclaimed. The lowest who see the worth of Christ's suffering will always outshine the powerful who don't, because God's purpose to exalt his Son cannot be overthrown.

Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

This sermon was preached on August 23, 2026 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. preached this sermon entitled "The Groanings of Hope" on Romans 8:23-25. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

Unlike the dumb animals slain at the Passover, our Paschal Lamb, the Lord Jesus, possessed full knowledge of His sacrificial role and the wrath He would endure. Christ's conscious acceptance of God's judgment for sin is seen in His anguish in Gethsemane and on the cross. It was a deliberate act of obedience and love in the face of His horrible knowledge of the cost. Christ's eternal deity and human experience allowed Him to fully comprehend the horror of sin, thereby satisfying divine justice in a way previous sacrifices could not. This profound understanding and suffering by Christ serve as the foundation for the believer's justification and freedom from condemnation. We ought to reflect on this perfect sacrifice during the Lord's Supper, recognizing the immense cost paid for our redemption.

This sermon concludes a summer series on the Psalms by exploring Psalm 30 as a testament to God's power to transform negative circumstances into positive outcomes. The preacher highlights four key contrasts within the text: deliverance from illness, relief from divine anger, repentance from self-reliance, and the transition from mourning to dancing. These earthly experiences of King David serve as types that point ultimately to Jesus Christ, whose resurrection guarantees believers' hope beyond death. The message emphasizes that while suffering and discipline are real, they are temporary compared to the eternal joy found in God's favor. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to trust in Christ's mercy, find comfort in His grace, and look forward to the final victory over sorrow in eternity.